“I would like to shout out three of my former ag teachers/advisors. Chad Askins, Jason Smith, and Craig Howard all from Daviess County High School. Each of them helped shaped me into the person I am today in their own way. I also give them credit for leading me down the agriculture path that I love so much. Thanks to them, I found my passion, navigated outside my comfort zone, grew my self-confidence, and learned to be a leader.”

Sami L., Daviess County High School FFA Chapter

“My Ag Teacher was Mrs. Misty Bivens at the Larue County FFA Chapter. Stating that she made an impact on me is an understatement! The skills I learned through her and the FFA program are unmatched, and they have stuck with me into my career over 10 years later! From interviewing, group presentations, giving speeches, learning leadership skills, and being confident in myself, I appreciate all that I learned from her in my 4 years as an FFA member.”

Shelby J., Larue County FFA Chapter

“I have had the wonderful privilege to have had my father, Matt Sinclair, as my agriculture teacher. I have been surrounded by all things FFA since I was a little girl and witnessed the passion and love my Dad has for FFA. That passion and love has been and still is being passed on to his students as well as myself. When I was finally able to be an FFA member myself, I experience that passion and love for FFA and the future of agriculture in a different light. I saw and experienced him push, encourage and guide members beyond the limits they thought they had. He helped me find confidence in my voice to public speak and helped me become a leader through holding offices. I cannot thank my agriculture teacher/father enough for all he has done for me and for the love for the future of agriculture that he has instilled in me.”

Ranae S., Sangre de Cristo FFA Chapter

I would like to recognize Brian Deatley who is the Ag Teacher at Whiteoak High School in Mowrystown, Ohio. Brian is an outstanding Ag Teacher who works hard in our small community. He volunteers his time at so many events and is always ensuring that his students are learning all they can about the Ag industry. We are in a small rural school and over half of the student body is enrolled in an Ag. class. Brian works hard for each of his students and it does not go unnoticed in our area. Thank you, Mr. Deatley!

Steve E., Whiteoak High School FFA Chapter

Amanda Haberlin supported me and encouraged me to take up agriculture as a career and believed in me to pursue plant sciences. She was one of the only teachers throughout my high school that believed in me and helped me shape and cultivate my passions. She helped my team and I take third place at State for Floriculture. Even as an adult I still look to her for advice.

Alicia B., Palmyra High School FFA Chapter

As a third generation FFA member of the Greely FFA, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but my ag teacher Mr. Kelly Longacre was one of a kind. He approached learning and connecting with students in a way that was authentically and uniquely him. He was passionate about teaching students to care for animals- even if all our chapter could accommodate was a Tuff Shed that had been converted into a rabbit habitat. He led with empathy and reached marginalized students in a way that literally changed their lives. At graduation, it was not uncommon to have students, friends and family members rush Mr. Longacre with a hug and shower him with gratitude stating that, "[student] would not have graduated without your help." They meant it, I experienced it and ultimately, I was made better for it. I learned so much about agricultural systems and caring for people on their own terms from Mr. Longacre. He is a great example of an Ag Teacher that changed lives! Mine included.

Kristen R., Greeley FFA Chapter

My agriculture teachers, Danny Shipley and Ferrell Oliver greatly impacted me! They were a constant source of encouragement to try new skill contests, practice public speaking, and learn! Their hands-on approach to learning made their classes enjoyable. When I lacked confidence to sign up for a contest, they encouraged me and provided me with opportunities to practice and gain experience which helped me to grow. I attribute my speaking skills to the countless FFA speaking events I participated in.  

Amanda T., Allen County-Scottsville FFA Chapter